Chinese President in Spain: President Xi Jinping, Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez cement trade relationship

World
Europe

02:43

We begin with Chinese President Xi Jinping's first state visit to Spain. His second day in Madrid saw the signing of several deals with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. Xi also met Spain's Senate and parliamentary leaders and reviewed the troops with the Spanish King. Al Goodman has the highlights from Madrid.

A critical meeting on the second day of his trip, Chinese President Xi Jinping joined Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. To discuss their countries' 30 billion dollar trade relationship. And China's Belt and Road initiative.

The two leaders presided over the signing of about 18 bilateral and business agreements. By their foreign ministers and other dignitaries and business leaders. A wide range of deals, including for Spain to export premium pork products and table grapes to China, which may help reduce Spain's hefty trade deficit with China.

Earlier in the day, President Xi met legislative leaders at the Spanish Senate and talked about opening up China's economy to greater trade and market opportunities for Spain and far beyond.

XI JINPING CHINESE PRESIDENT "China's doors to the outside world will not be closed, but rather, they will be opened even wider. We will greatly relax market access, improve the investment environment and strengthen intellectual property protection."

Everywhere he moved around the Spanish capital, tight security with Spanish and Chinese protection, in a very long motorcade.

Which didn't dampen the main demonstration, largely in favor of President Xi. Hundreds of Chinese living in Spain turned out. Like the President himself, some in the crowd focused on the business aspects of this trip.

RUBEN WANG BUSINESSMAN IN SPAIN "It's important for us Chinese in Spain and for Spaniards. I think our president is bringing a lot of business to Spain."

CHAOYANG YI BUSINESS STUDENT IN SPAIN "Since all the trade war, I hope, like, the business between Europe and China will go to the next level."

The day began with colorful protocol. President Xi and the First Lady, again together with Spain's King and Queen. The two heads of state reviewed the honor guard in the patio of the Royal Palace.

And on the second day of the trip ended where it started, at the Royal Palace. A gala dinner with President Xi and the First Lady, and Spanish King Felipe the Sixth and Queen Letizia.

AL GOODMAN MADRID "President Xi said in Madrid that overland trade between Spain and China dates back over 2,000 years, and maritime trade, 600 years. As the two nations mark 45 years of diplomatic relations, he aims to deepen their relationship in the future. Al Goodman, CGTN, Madrid."